If you are looking to follow in Albert Einstein's path, the story of Einstein's education is a pretty interesting one, and perhaps a tale that you would not expect.

When Einstein Quit School

In his youth, Albert Einstein attended a traditional school in Munich, Germany, just like many other children of his time. He received good grades and was particularly accomplished in the field of mathematics.

However, he absolutely detested school because he could not stand the way the teachers taught. He thought that everything was far too objective, there was no room for questioning or thought, with the classes instead focusing on strict memorization.

Einstein wanted to be free to express his own thoughts, and to pursue the specific concentrations in which he was interested. Einstein found it very difficult to do that in such a rigid educational environment.

When he was 15 years old, his teacher suggested that he leave school, and he took the suggestion and did not return.

Einstein's Life After School

In 1895, at the age of 16, Einstein applied to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. An entrance examination was required in order to be admitted; but Albert Einstein failed that test. It was suggested that he try his luck at a Swiss school in Aarau. He was accepted there and he continued on with his studies at that institution.

After he graduated from the Swiss school, he was able to get into the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. It was here that he fell in love with the field of physics, the subject area which he is most notably known for.

When he graduated, he had absolutely amazing grades, despite the fact that not too long before he could not even get into the school. He tried to become a professor, but he could not get any jobs in that field. He failed several times and eventually wound up working at the Patent Office in Bern.

When his physics career did take off, Einstein went on to become one of the greatest geniuses of all time.

Although Albert Einstein encountered quite a few stumbling blocks on his pathway to success, he achieved the acclaim that he fought so hard for through his early years.